Aid to the Church in Need
UK office

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Short introduction to the National Office
  • Founding of office
    • The UK office of Aid to the Church in Need was set up in 1973.
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Director

Neville Kyrke-Smith



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Press and Information Officer
- for any queries
Cecilia Bromley-Martin

Address

  • Office

Main areas of aid

  • Countries: In 2001, we are focusing especially on the needs of the faithful living under Islamic regimes.

Means of fundraising

Gemeinde bei der Messfeier in beengten Privaträumen
  • Appeals
    • We have 14 Area Organisers giving talks in parishes and schools around England, Wales and Scotland.
  • Mailings
    • As well as sending out our international Mirror newsletter eight times a year, we mail out updates and reports to our benefactors.
  • Contact with benefactors
    • Aid to the Church in Need holds at least two Days of Prayer and Information each year, usually in England and Scotland.
    • ACN (UK) is always happy to offer speakers on the persecuted Church in Eastern Europe and throughout the world.

News up-date

  • Dates/special events:
  • Birmingham - Sunday 16th September 2001 "Vocations - setting the world ablaze!"
    Held in the Oratory Cloister Buildings (followed by Mass in the Oratory, celebrated by Archbishop Vincent Nichols)

    After his gripping and unforgettable address at our Martyrs Conference two years ago, Archbishop Jozef Zycinski of Lublin, Poland, was back by popular demand and gave a fascinating and optimistic talk about the growth of vocations after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Sister Gianfranca Silvestri, Provincial of the Comboni Sisters in southern Sudan, then gave a memorable personal witness about her own vocation to work in this war-torn country, and spoke of the increasing number of African women now feeling called to the religious life. In his talk, Neville Kyrke-Smith - the U. K. Director of Aid to the Church in Need - illustrated the hope now arising in Ukraine, after years of suffering, because of the witness and prayers of Ukraine's countless and courageous martyrs. The conference ended with a beautiful Mass in the Oratory, where Archbishop Nichols preached a very moving homily.
    Thank you to all who joined us for this wonderful day.
  • Westminster - 11.30 - 4.30 pm, Saturday 3rd November 2001 "Surviving Persecution"
    Held in Westminster Cathedral Hall (following the usual Cathedral Mass
    at 10.30 am).

    Few have experienced religious persecution as the Russians did for seven terrible decades, and we were honoured to welcome Catholic Bishop Jerzy Mazur of Irkutsk, Siberia, to speak to us movingly on this shocking but finally optimistic subject: 'Frozen Faith: Belarus, Russia and Siberia'. Cecilia Bromley-Martin, the U.K. Press Officer for Aid to the Church in Need, was in war-torn southern Sudan during Lent this year and related what she witnessed of the powerful faith of these people tormented by violence, hunger and disease in: 'Sudan - faith and hope in the midst of war'. José Correa, ACN's International Head of Information, drew upon his years as a journalist and Catholic researcher to provide the numerous warm and encouraging stories which kept the 300-strong audience gripped during his fascinating talk: 'The Secret of Christ - underground evangelisation'.
    DETAILS OF OUR 2002 EVENTS WILL BE POSTED SHORTLY!
  • Publications

    Child's Bible Over 36 million printed and distributed in 120 different languages to children around the world £2.50
    I Believe Written to introduce and explain the Faith to children and adults around the world. Approved by Rome, this enchanting Family Catechism - illustrated by Bradi Barth - is proving popular everywhere £4.50
    Rosary booklet Beautifully illustrated ecumenical rosary prayer book, inspired by Our Lady's message at Fatima £3.50

    (Plus free rosary blessed by Pope)
    Mary Save Us Prayers composed by four Lithuanian girls imprisoned for their faith in Siberia. Foreword by Cardinal Hume £1.00
    They Call me the Bacon Priest and
    Where God Weeps    		 Written by the founder of Aid to the Church in Need, Fr Werenfried van Straaten. Powerful and moving accounts of his life and spiritual crusade £5.00 each
    Feasts and Seasons Wise and challenging meditations which follow the seasons of the Church's year. By Fr Werenfried van Straaten £1.20
    Way of the Cross This little book guides you through each step of Christ's Calvary with beautiful prayers, and meditations by the Holy Father 50 p
    Understanding Catholicism These ten clear and fearless booklets are a matchless exposition of the Church's teaching to renew the faith of Catholics everywhere. £16.00 a set
    Challenges and Hopes This marvellous little book on Catholics in China provides moving stories, thought-provoking spiritual reflections and reliable, little-known facts. £2
    Fr Werenfried - A Life Almost a legend in the modern Catholic Church, Fr Werenfried van Straaten has become known and loved throughout the world thanks to his powerful message of forgiveness and love, and its fulfilment in the work of his charity, Aid to the Church in Need. This is his life - a story of courage and achievement, centred on Christ and His Church. £10
    He Leadeth Me
    (by Fr Walter Ciszek, SJ)    		 The deeply moving spiritual odyssey of a Catholic priest sent to prison and labour camps in Siberia for 23 years by the Soviet regime. A book to inspire all Christians, even in their darkest hour. £9.50

  • Videos and music

    The Bacon Priest A precious souvenir for Fr Werenfried van Straaten's many admirers. Photographs and film footage - old and recent - combine with personal testimonies from those closest to him to create a fascinating and moving account of this Dutch Norbertine's astonishing life. £5
    Out of the Ashes of Persecution This moving video features the personal accounts of ACN UK's Director and Press Officer's respective trips to Belarus, Siberia and China. Using their striking photographs, and accompanied by their own commentaries, it is a marvellous introduction to the vital work this Catholic charity carries out every year - thanks to your love, prayers and support. (35 mins) £5
    Ship of God See how Fr Werenfried's dream of a floating Orthodox Church for Russia became a reality. We are introduced to the Volga Chapel Boat's priests, its cook and some of the villagers it has visited, and witness full immersion baptisms, the Sacred Liturgy, and the tears of babushkas who had not seen a church for decades. (25 mins) £5
    Blessed are the Persecuted Focusing on the persecuted Church in the last 50 years where the faithful still suffer (13 mins) £4
    Where God Weeps Fr Werenfried speaks to you about our work for the poor of Latin America and Asia (14 mins) £4
    Catholics in China In powerful and secretly-taken amateur photos and film footage, you will see the Faith in practise in Red China. (10 mins) £4
    Fr Werenfried in Siberia Follow the founder of ACN as he visits this outpost of the once-Soviet empire. (23 mins) £4
    Totus tuus sum, Maria The world-famous London Oratory choir has recorded this marvellous musical tribute to Our Lady in support of ACN. Much-loved Gregorian chants are combined with motets ranging from the 16th century to the present day. The album climaxes with the Pope's personal motto, Totus Tuus. CD £10.50

    Cassette £8
    Tu Es Petrus Sung by the renowned Cantors of the Schola Gregoriana of Cambridge, the exquisite and meditative tracks consist of devotional material based on the life of St Peter; both chant and polyphony. CD £10.50

    Cassette £8
    Angels from the Vatican Glorious new album from the Schola Gregoriana of Cambridge - including Te Deum laudamus, Ave Maria, In Paradisum, Duo Seraphim With a foreword on angels by the Holy Father. CD £9.50

    Tape £7.50
    Carols from St Chad's Wonderful Christmas carols sung beautifully by the renowned choir of St Chad's Catholic Cathedral, Birmingham, in aid of the Church in Need. - including Once in Royal David's City, Adeste Fidelis, Come to the Manger, Quem Pastores CD £9.50

    Tape £7.50
    Russian Sacred Chant An inspiring collection of the most beautiful spiritual music from the Russian Orthodox Church. (55 mins) CD £8.50

    Tape £6.50
    Catholic Collection ACN's tape and CD featuring 19 Catholic favourites, sung by the Choir of St Etheldreda's in London CD £9.50

    Tape £7.50